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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
Menopause at 44
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding ovarian cancer issues, such as: Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Genetics, Hysterectomy,Immunotherapy, Ovarian Cancer Types, Radiation Therapy, Risk Factors, Screening, Staging, Surgery.
Menopause at 44
by jmc802, Sep 11, 2006 12:00AM
Had surgery january 2005 to ghave right ovary removed due to cyst. Also found that I was loaded with endometiosis that the ovary was stuck. eerything went fine. was 42 at surgery now 44 can this start to effect monthly cycle to start menopause. Use to go every 28 to 30 days like clockwork. Now they seem to be a little messed up. One month 3 weeks late (not pregnany) now its any where from 23 to 26 days. Any info on this would be greatly helpful. I am totally confused. Please help.
jmc802
jmc802
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Sep 12, 2006 12:00AM
, Sep 12, 2006 12:00AM
Hi There,
It is common to start having irregular cycles as you get into your forties. Menopause is defined as no period for one year. Biochemically, menopause happens when the ovary no longer makes estrogen and no longer ovulates. The perimenopausal period can be a 10 year period of time when the ovarian function slowly wanes. There can be periods of regular cycles alternating with times of irregular cycles, skipped periods, two periods in one month and so forth. One can also experience episodes of hot flashes that come and go. Blood testing for hormone levels in the perimenopausal can be deceiving. There will be times when the estrogen levels are normal and times when they are low. I take the broad view. Look at the overall pattern over a few years and you sort of know what you are dealing with.
Now having said that, it is really important not to explain away abnormal bleeding as perimenopause. Any bleeding between periods or extra long and heavy menstrual cycles must be evaluated by a pelvic ultrasound and an endometrial biopsy. 25% of all cancers from the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer) occur in premenopausal women.
It is common to start having irregular cycles as you get into your forties. Menopause is defined as no period for one year. Biochemically, menopause happens when the ovary no longer makes estrogen and no longer ovulates. The perimenopausal period can be a 10 year period of time when the ovarian function slowly wanes. There can be periods of regular cycles alternating with times of irregular cycles, skipped periods, two periods in one month and so forth. One can also experience episodes of hot flashes that come and go. Blood testing for hormone levels in the perimenopausal can be deceiving. There will be times when the estrogen levels are normal and times when they are low. I take the broad view. Look at the overall pattern over a few years and you sort of know what you are dealing with.
Now having said that, it is really important not to explain away abnormal bleeding as perimenopause. Any bleeding between periods or extra long and heavy menstrual cycles must be evaluated by a pelvic ultrasound and an endometrial biopsy. 25% of all cancers from the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer) occur in premenopausal women.
